Astrological Forecast Winter 2023-2024
2024 is off to a great start as Sun, Moon, Jupiter and Uranus form an exceptionally well-timed, January 1st grand trine in pragmatic earth signs. Happy New Year!
Artwork©Viacheslav Artemov/123rf
Curious people have been asking me what to expect in 2024. Will Trump win is a common question. I get a no on that. Strangely enough for someone who regularly speaks of the future with clients, I have had my mind and eyes focused on the here and now of day-to-day living. I have not wanted to think far ahead, especially about world events. So, please join me as I venture into the uncharted territory of winter, our gateway into the New Year. One thing is clear; it’s up to each of us to create the future we want.
Winter Solstice And Sun In Capricorn
Sun is actually closest to Earth during the northern hemisphere’s coldest months. It is Earth’s angle to Sun that determines the heat of the solar rays. For those traveling a spiritual or consciousness raising path, that simple fact is an important reminder; where we focus our attention matters.
On Wednesday, the 21st of December, Sun arrives in Capricorn at 10:27PM EST. Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year, is upon us. The hours of daylight are at their shortest. The horoscope for the start of winter is powerful and complex. There are excellent omens. Sun is conjunct retrograde Mercury and both stars are in delightful harmony with a Moon/Jupiter conjunction in early Taurus. Practicality is a strength, balanced by Jupiter-induced optimism and faith. The alignments are prospering, and good for work, travel as well as various other adventures. But that’s not all.
Venus is opposed to Uranus and plans can unravel at any time. Sudden separations as well as surprise reunions are possibilities. However, many good souls are ready to help. Testing angles to Neptune from Sun and Mars are grounds for caution. Some folks are misinformed and inclined to take reckless, misguided action. Travel a loving path and you’ll help keep troubles at bay.
As we settle into winter, the waxing Moon spreads her increasing light. The rising lunar tide makes the weekend of the 23rd and 24th feel both exciting and busy. Sun’s stabilizing Sunday sextile to Saturn launches an enlivening, attention grabbing series of planetary aspects. Traditions hold a special place on Sunday, Christmas Eve. Love has dominion over Monday, December 25th, as Venus is trine Neptune during the noon hour on Christmas Day. Joys are undeniable and the best kind of contagious. Trickier trends arrive that night. Be aware of the weather, and if you’re on the move, control your speed.
Tuesday evening of the 26th hosts the full Cold Moon in Cancer. Common sense, decency and empathy are widespread as Jupiter and Saturn ably support Sun and Moon. A healthy balance between family, personal needs and other responsibilities is struck. Wednesday, the 27th, is complicated. Mixed trends are in play. Happiness is rampant that morning but tempers are fast to rise. Be on guard against impatience. Follow a nighttime hunch and avoid potential trouble spots. Thursday, January 28th, brings more challenges. Toxic emotions may lead to early evening unpleasantness, but Venus’ pending trine to Pluto suggests that loving, non-judgmental support has healing power.
Excitement slowly builds on New Year’s Eve. Partygoers find their spirits soaring by dinnertime. 2024 is off to a great start as Sun, Moon, Jupiter and Uranus form an exceptionally well-timed, January 1st grand trine in pragmatic earth signs. Happy New Year! Humankind may yet find a way to more equitably distribute Earth’s resources. All the same, Venus is at odds with Saturn the morning of New Year’s Day. Some folks prefer sleeping in. Other souls miss loved ones. A more hopeful trend builds later in the day. The future enchants, as after nightfall Mercury resumes forward motion in broad-minded Sagittarius.
Those workers and students who go back to school on Tuesday, the 2nd of January, are likely to have a hard time finding their groove. It isn’t until later in the week that many people reach a comfortable stride. It doesn’t help that Mercury’s station occurred while in a testing angle with confusing Neptune. The two make a square on the evening of Monday, the 8th. Many things come into sharper focus the following day. Plain old good sense remains a solid guide. Breakthrough realizations and new strategies enhance the evening hours of Tuesday the 9th.
On Thursday, the 11th, the new Moon in Capricorn signals the beginning of a fresh activity cycle. Progressive social forces are supported. This part of the month is a good time to act according to one’s beliefs. Be on the lookout for omissions, disinformation and other scams. A solar sextile to Neptune is exact on Monday, January 15th, Martin Luther King Jr. Day here in the USA. The alignment, along with support from a Pisces Moon, evokes deep empathy and compassion. Hearts go out to the oppressed, the needy and underdogs everywhere. Utopian as well as creative visions can be compelling.
Tuesday, the 16th requires patience and poise. The last few days of the Sun’s stay in Capricorn are comparatively mellow. Thursday the 18th is notably productive. This is an especially fine day for meetings and planning sessions.
Sun In Aquarius
Saturday, January 20th, brings momentous changes. During the mid-morning, Sun makes its annual conjunction with Pluto. This is the last conjunction in Capricorn the two will make for the next two and a half centuries. The current series began in December of 2008, shortly after Pluto entered the Sign of the Goat. The consolidation of power into an increasingly small number of hands has been a feature of Pluto’s stay in the sign of big business. By Saturday evening both the Sun and Pluto will be in visionary Aquarius.
In the spring of 2023, Pluto made a short foray into Aquarius, only to turn retrograde and back into Capricorn. The last time this precise Pluto dance happened was during the American Revolution. It did not bode well for British King George III, and I suspect the coming years will not be kind to modern day autocrats. Expect Pluto in Aquarius to foster the sharing of power in more egalitarian fashion.
A waxing Moon gradually builds momentum as the full Wolf Moon draws near. The Moon is exactly full in Leo at midday on Thursday, the 25th. Once again, money and power are likely sources of contention. Whether it is a personal, professional or political matter, work patiently towards solutions. In true Aquarian fashion, welcome constructive input from all corners. On both Thursday and Friday, January 26th, overblown egos can be demanding and unyielding. Seasoned voices have much to offer.
Just after midnight on Saturday, the 27th, Uranus turns direct, and for the first time since last spring there are no retrograde planets. Be ready to take a great leap forward, but in some cases, it isn’t until Sunday, the 28th, that communications are fruitful. Moods are great, and generosity of spirit is splendid that afternoon and evening. Speed is seductive on Monday, the 29th, but mixed influences warn against throwing caution aside. Pick your moments and make progress when you can.
The spirit of fun is alive and well on Groundhog Day, February 2nd. Buoyed by sweet dreams, the groundhog may well be an accurate soothsayer this year. The tense last quarter Scorpio Moon tests Sun later, during the evening. Keeping one’s bearings is far easier on Saturday, the 3rd. Minutes after midnight on Monday, the 5th mental Mercury enters Aquarius, and promptly conjuncts Pluto. Pay attention to first impressions and other hunches. Certain private thoughts are best kept under wraps for the time being.
Truth telling is easier the evening of Tuesday, February 6th, and on Wednesday, the 7th. In fact, gatherings of all types are incredibly inspiring on Wednesday. Hopes may seem to be coming true but the stars have other plans. Early Thursday morning of the 8th, Sun tests Uranus. This disruptive influence can signal geological changes and other out of the blue occurrences. If your plans go on hold or fall through, be patient. The Aquarius new Moon during the evening of Friday, the 9th, green lights new ventures. All the same, signals from above remain mixed. It may be wise to simply relax and enjoy the weekend. Saturday, February 10th, marks the Chinese lunar New Year of the Dragon. Sunday is far more socially agreeable.
There is high octane energy and sweet affection as the week of the 12th begins. Mars enters Aquarius during Tuesday, the 13th’s wee hours of the morning. Venus and Neptune ramp up the loving vibes. Helping out and working with friends and partners is supported by Mars’ conjunction with Pluto. Remember to keep everyone’s best interests in mind. Gains can be impressive.
Wednesday morning of the 14th is a challenging period for many partnerships. Just before midday the waxing Taurus Moon is at odds with Pluto and Mars. Competition, a lack of understanding or a dominating temperament keeps Cupid’s dart in his quiver. Evening brings calmer, more engaging trends. However, communications can be frustrating late in the week as Mercury is at odds with Uranus.
Saturday, February 17th, sees a triple conjunction of Venus, Pluto and Mars. Some people are captivating. Love can feel like a total immersion. Even so, be aware of ulterior motives. Sunday the 18th, is a day of transitions. Both Moon and Sun change signs. An afternoon movie, concert, visit to a museum or nature outing can each be wonderful.
Sun In Pisces
Late on Sunday night of the 18th, Sun settles into watery Pisces. Unsurprisingly, psychic and emotional sensitivities seem to increase this time of year. Pisces is a mutable water sign, rooted in feelings and instincts. With Sun and the Cancer Moon harmonizing, a welcome calm descends upon Earth Sunday night. The Cancer Moon continues to hold forth on Monday, Feburary 19th, President’s Day. History is a source of inspiration, even as exciting new plans are laid out on both Monday and Tuesday.
Attending to personal needs can be difficult on Wednesday, the 22nd. Venus and Mars are conjunct, inflaming passions. However, not everyone sees eye to eye as the steamy duo is part of a fixed sign T-square involving a total of six planets. Stubborn types judge. Others ask, “What about me?” Carefully walk the line between being a good friend while also looking out for yourself. Seek creative solutions. Cooler heads may not prevail until the end of the month.
Early on Saturday morning of the 24th, the full Snow Moon in Virgo is exact. The discerning Moon stands opposite the Pisces Sun, Mercury and Saturn. Venus, Mars and Pluto, all in early Aquarius continue to be at odds with Jupiter. In many instances, opinions are locked in. Compromise agreements can be hard to come by. Hopes rise and tensions ease late Saturday afternoon. New horizons and other escapes are appealing on Sunday, the 25th. A midday gathering can be stimulating. Practice good decorum on Monday, Feburary 26th. Plans and agreements are subject to change as Mars tests Jupiter on Tuesday, the 27th.
Wednesday, the 28th, and Leap Day, Thursday, February 29th, bring much progress and fulfillment. The growth and business possibilities are topnotch on Wednesday, while Thursday is superb for sealing deals and entering into long term commitments.
March begins under mixed influences. Expect some roaring lions, but there will also be gentle and loving lambs to frolic with. Hearts lighten as the weekend of March 2nd and 3rd nears. Testing aspects can make Sunday, the 3rd, feel challenging. The morning brings a number of confusing feelings. The waning, last quarter Sagittarius Moon is partly to blame. Venus’ square with Uranus adds to uncertainties, but Venus’ late night sextile with Moon ends the day on a happy note.
On March 4th, Monday morning inertia and confusion are good reasons to proceed carefully. Ingenious ideas generate new hopes by late afternoon. The latter part of the day is excellent for networking and lining up support. Quietly productive days see solid gains made as Moon wanes. Saturday, the 9th, features mixed celestial messages. A potentially dangerous square between Mars and Uranus requires deft handling. Resist using excessive force or speed. However, at the same time, a solar sextile to Uranus invites us to envision dramatic possibilities. Be content to merely dream on for now.
On Sunday, March 10th, Moon is new in Pisces. It’s time to set intentions for the newly beginning activity cycle. We switch to Daylight Savings Time that Sunday, too. With the turning of clocks forward, hints of spring are in the air.
The following week is comparatively calm as well as productive. Winter’s last major celestial alignments are both exact on Sunday, March 17th. Minutes after midnight there’s the first quarter Moon in Gemini and evening brings Sun’s conjunction with mystical Neptune. Sleep can be restless but dreams may be prophetic. Messages received could portend a change in a relationship or at home. New options may also emerge. Expectations are high as winter ends. On Monday, March 18th many folks have social and travel plans on their minds. Be adventurous but stay flexible. Spring eclipse season is just around the corner and more surprises are coming.
Eric Linter offers a complete range of astrological services including readings and classes. Contact him at stars@ericlinter.com or by telephone at 508-541-4115. Read his Daily Forecast on the Spirit of Change homepage at spiritofchange.org or sign up to receive Eric’s daily forecast right in your inbox each morning.
